8 Brief Observations About Fitness From An Out-Of-Shape Mom Who’s Trying To Do Better

(That just might be my wordiest post title ever.)

1. I’m happy Planet Fitness is only $10 a month. They have a second tier plan that’s $20 a month but I decided to stick with the basic plan until I feel like I’ve got my workout routine down.

2. It is really hard to work out at home. I have an elliptical and a stationary bike in my basement, along with nearly every DVD Jillian Michaels has. But I also work at home and raise my kids at home and cook at home and…I want to actually leave the house every once in a while, you know?

3. The main reason I’ve begun working out is because I do not like the way my body looks. That is a hard fact to swallow. I do not feel like I’ve been showing my body any attention and it shows. Most in-shape people are not couch potatoes or workaholics (I fit both descriptions.)

4. I’m thankful my husband is here. Because of his presence, I can leave my house in the wee hours of the morning (ugh) and drive the 2 miles to the gym. For single  mothers, this quest for fitness would be harder (see #2).

5. Some foods have too many calories for no damn reason. Why is ice cream so calorie-laden? All I want is a couple scoops of my favorite ice cream (see my favorite flavor here) and not have to sweat it out at the gym for two hours afterward.

6. Remembering to drink water is such a pain. Fun fact about me: In high school, I didn’t want to pay the additional 75 cents for a drink to go with my lunch. I would instead “steal” my best friend’s drink and drink about half of it. Every day.  She would usually be like, “Ew, girl, you might as well keep it now,” like it was a surprise that I was going to do it. I’ve been perpetually dehydrated since then.

7. I do not yet like the feel of sweat on my skin. It reminds of painfully hot summers and inadequate air conditioning. I’d prefer to spend my free time wrapped up in a good book, but I guess that doesn’t burn too many calories.

8. My mind is never as clear as it is in the hour after I exercise. I’m usually a little ball of stress but since I’ve started working out I’ve been able to deal with my disappointments and frustrations much easier. I highly recommend it.